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John Downman Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John Downman our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John Downman · 1749 – 1824

Lady Delaval (?) by John Downman, 1792

1792 · original 78.1 x 78.1cm

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #1: Lady Delaval (?)

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32778 × 78 cm Commission at original size

John Downman: A Lady Called the Hon. Catherine Harbord (1773-1857), Daughter of Harbord Harbord, 1st Baron Suffield (1734-1810), Married to John Petre (formlerly Varlo)

Nationalmuseum, Stockholm

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #2: A Lady Called the Hon. Catherine Harbord (1773-1857), Daughter of Harbord Harbord, 1st Baron Suffield (1734-1810), Married to John Petre (formlerly Varlo)

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Young Man

Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Oseph Boruwlaski

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20224 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs Croad, the Determined Widow – John Downman

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #5: Mrs Croad, the Determined Widow

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Peter Stephen Godard

Admire John Downman’s portrait of Peter Stephen Godard – a dignified 18th-century clergyman in classical oil painting style. Explore its rich details & atmospheric depth.

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Rowland Holt Of Redgrave, Suffolk

Admire John Downman’s 'Rowland Holt of Redgrave,' a refined Neoclassical portrait showcasing an elderly gentleman's dignity. Explore this oil painting's details & historical context.

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Lady Anne Horatia Seymour, Nee Waldegrave

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Harry Harmwood Captain

Admire John Downman’s ‘Harry Harmwood Captain,’ a delicate 18th-century watercolor portrait within a gold frame. Explore Regency era art & historical significance.

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

George John Spencer,

Admire John Downman’s exquisite portrait of George John Spencer! This Neoclassical ivory panel painting showcases refined detail & elegant attire. A timeless Regency-era treasure.

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

A Blue, a scholar of Christ's Hospital, John Downman

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #11: A Blue, a scholar of Christ's Hospital

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Baroness Mary Von Nolcken

Admire John Downman’s ‘Baroness Mary Von Nolcken,’ a refined Regency-era portrait showcasing neoclassical elegance & delicate oil brushwork. Explore this stunning piece!

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Rear Vice-admiral Maude

Admire John Downman’s ‘Rear Vice-admiral Maude,’ a neoclassical portrait brimming with detail & atmospheric depth. Explore this 18th/19th century masterpiece!

Art Movement: Neoclassicism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The Fourdrinier Family

Admire 'The Fourdrinier Family' by John Downman – a stately Neoclassical portrait showcasing Welsh family status & wealth. Explore this elegant oil painting’s rich details.

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$37737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Ralph Abercromby by John Downman

Admire John Downman’s ‘Sir Ralph Abercromby,’ a stately Neoclassical portrait of two gentlemen discussing strategy. Explore this 18th-century masterpiece & its symbolic map.

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #15: Sir Ralph Abercromby

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20228 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Members of the Wilson family grouped round a memorial of William Pitt the Younger – John Downman

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #16: Members of the Wilson family grouped round a memorial of William Pitt the Younger

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of A Lady -

Exquisite miniature portrait by John Downman (1750-1824). Admire this Neoclassical Regency era artwork – delicate oil painting, pastel hues & aristocratic elegance. Discover a timeless piece!

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Montagu Edmund Parker Of Whiteway

Saltram House, Plymouth

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Witches From Macbeth

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

John Downman: Old Lady With Magnifying Glass

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #20: Old Lady With Magnifying Glass

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Called 'charles Langton'

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

John Downman: Edwin And Emma

Admire "Edwin & Emma" by John Downman – a captivating Regency-era painting of two women in exquisite detail. Explore this historical masterpiece's rich narrative and timeless beauty.

View the most popular artwork of John Downman ranked #22: Edwin And Emma

Art Movement: Neoclassicism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs Caroline Collingwood

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

A family group

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of A Naval Captain

National Maritime Museum, London

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 66 artworks by John Downman
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

John Downman

1749 – 1824

Quick facts

Museums on APSNationalmuseum, National Portrait Gallery, National Maritime Museum, Yale Center for British Art, Harvard Art Museums
Also known asJohn Dowman, J. Downman, Downman John, Downman J., Downman
Works on APS66
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Topics exploredwomen, portraits, portrait, regency era, portraiture
Top-ranked workLady Delaval (?)
Born1749, Eynesbury, United Kingdom
Copyright statusPublic domain

Biography

A Welsh Visionary: John Downman (1750-1824)

John Downman ARA, born in Denbighshire around 1750, stands as a prominent figure within the landscape of British portraiture and subject painting during the Regency era. His artistic journey began with foundational education at Chester and Liverpool before culminating in formal training at the Royal Academy Schools—institutions that would profoundly shape his stylistic sensibilities and contribute to his enduring legacy. Notably, he benefited from mentorship under Benjamin West, a celebrated neoclassical painter whose influence extended far beyond their studio collaboration.

Early Influences: Downman’s formative years were marked by exposure to the artistic currents of his time, particularly the burgeoning Neoclassical movement championed by West and its emphasis on classical ideals and heroic narratives.
The Italian Expedition (1773-1775): Driven by a fervent desire for artistic advancement, Downman embarked upon an ambitious expedition to Italy alongside Joseph Wright of Derby, his pregnant wife Anne Wright, and Richard Hurleston. This voyage wasn’t merely a quest for inspiration; it represented a deliberate immersion into the heart of European artistic innovation—a period characterized by groundbreaking experimentation in technique and subject matter.

Downman's artistic output was remarkably prolific during his lifetime, producing over 148 works exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1769 and 1819. While portraits constituted the core of his oeuvre—capturing the likenesses of prominent figures from British society—he possessed a remarkable versatility in tackling diverse subjects, ranging from mythological scenes imbued with symbolic resonance to theatrical representations that skillfully blended artifice and emotion. Pieces like ‘Rosalind,’ painted for Shakespeare’s Gallery, exemplify his masterful command of composition and color, reflecting the aesthetic principles prevalent during his era. Furthermore, works such as 'The Death of Lucretia;' 'The Priestess of Bacchus;' 'Tobias;' 'Fair Rosamond;' 'The Return of Orestes;' and ‘Duke Robert,’ stand as testaments to his ability to convey complex narratives with striking visual clarity.

Technique & Style

Downman’s artistic technique was characterized by meticulous attention to detail—a hallmark of Neoclassical painting—combined with a sensitivity to tonal gradation that achieved remarkable atmospheric effects. He skillfully employed oil paint and chalk, often layering textures and hues to create luminous surfaces and imbue his canvases with palpable emotion. His portraits were distinguished by their understated elegance and psychological depth, capturing not merely physical appearance but also the inner character of his subjects—a testament to his profound understanding of human anatomy and expression.

Notable Achievements & Legacy

Downman’s election as an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1795 solidified his position within the artistic establishment of London and cemented his reputation as a respected artist. His enduring influence can be discerned in subsequent generations of painters who embraced his stylistic approach—particularly his penchant for theatrical compositions and evocative tonal palettes. Today, Downman’s paintings reside in prestigious museums across Europe and North America, ensuring that his contribution to British art history continues to inspire admiration and scholarly inquiry.

Family & Later Years

Downman married Anne Wright in 1780 and established a home in Cambridge before relocating to London and subsequently West Malling. He fathered Sir Edwin Downman, and his daughter married Thomas Lloyd. His artistic pursuits remained steadfast until his death on December 24th, 1824, leaving behind a substantial collection of artworks bequeathed to his daughter—a poignant reminder of the artist’s personal life intertwined with his professional accomplishments.

Questions & Answers

Can I sort John Downman's artworks by color?

The Spectral Index page organizes John Downman's artworks by color.

What other names is John Downman known by?

John Downman appears under the alternate names John Dowman, J. Downman, Downman John, Downman J., Downman.

How many artworks by John Downman are available to browse?

You can browse 66 artworks by John Downman on the All Artworks page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Aug. 22, 2026

Collector's quiz

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two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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All artworks by John Downman